Fundraising is no small effort and doing so in a year like 2020 has proven even more arduous. Hazel Cromwell can attest to that, as lead cook at the St. Regis Senior Center her and the other staff members have worked diligently to accommodate the relentless hurdles the pandemic has thrown their way.

“We’ve missed out on so many of our fundraisers this year,” Cromwell lamented. Typically, the Senior Center would host special holiday dinners, bake sales, and other events throughout the year to supplement the facilities income. So, they’ve decided to host a holiday pie and bake sale to try and make up for some lost opportunities.

The plan is to sell the sweet treats on the evening of Monday, Dec. 21 following an extra dinner the center is hosting. Those interested in bringing home some festive goodies can come purchase items while picking up their to-go meals that night at 5:30 p.m.

“We’ve gone back to serving just to go meals at this time, there’s just too many we’d have to comply with,” said Cromwell. For several months the Center was able to host in-person dinners but with rising COVID cases they’ve been forced to box and deliver or have people pick them up. Cromwell joked, “At one point I was laughing just looking at myself head to toe with all this protective gear on, I felt like I should be saying where’s the scalpel?”

In addition to raising funds for the Senior Center, the local group is also looking for help with managing their finances. Cromwell joked, “We are in need of some young blood in here, like the 45-60 age range to help even the work load.” And she added, “Our Treasurer, Patty Curtin is stepping down soon and we’ll need someone to take her place. So, if there is someone around that has a knack for money and organizing let me know!”

For more information on the bake sale or the senior centers weekly meal schedule check the calendar posted at the St. Regis Post Office or Hazel Cromwell frequently posts updates on Facebook as well.